In this lesson students will preform a hands on activity about stem cells.Students will investigate how embryonic stem cells become specialized cells. Given a number of different colored chips students will draw chips that represent specific molecular factors that determine the next step of specialization. They will then discuss the paths stem cells take as they differentiate into specialized cells
Objectives
Students will be able to...
invesitgate how embryonic stem cells become specialized
explain the importance of stem cell differentiation
Materials / Preparation Notes
Student activity worksheet
colored chips for students (9 total, 3, red, 3 blue, 3 green)
color pencils
Instruction
Opening
To begin the class activity I will tell the class that we will be doing an activity on Stem cell differentiation (20 min)
What is differentiation?
What is a stem cell?
Why do you think stem cell differentiation is important?
I will then go over a brief powerpoint on stem cells, going over the different type of stem cells. I will explain how in this activity students focus on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. They develop into the cells and tissues of the three primary germ layers—endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. These layers then go on to preform a variety of functions. I will then pass out the worksheets and cups of chips and
Activities
The students will work in pairs to complete the stem cell activity.(20 min) They will follow the direction sheet and then record their results on the student sheet. I will walk around the class answering questions, looking for participation, making sure students are following the directions properly.
Closing
After the class has completed the activity I will then poll the class on their results.
Why were their so many different results?
Why do you now think stem cell is important
I will then pass out the follow up questions for the activity and allow students to work on them until the class is over. Any uncompleted work will be homework and turned in the next class period.
Assessment Notes
I will assess the students based on the answers to the questions I ask in class. The discussion questions that I assign will also serve as an assessment to the activity and linking it to the knowledge and material learned in class.
Title
Stem Cell DifferentiationOverview
In this lesson students will preform a hands on activity about stem cells.Students will investigate how embryonic stem cells become specialized cells. Given a number of different colored chips students will draw chips that represent specific molecular factors that determine the next step of specialization. They will then discuss the paths stem cells take as they differentiate into specialized cellsObjectives
Students will be able to...Materials / Preparation Notes
Instruction
Opening
To begin the class activity I will tell the class that we will be doing an activity on Stem cell differentiation (20 min)- What is differentiation?
- What is a stem cell?
- Why do you think stem cell differentiation is important?
I will then go over a brief powerpoint on stem cells, going over the different type of stem cells.I will explain how in this activity students focus on the differentiation of embryonic stem cells. They develop into the cells and tissues of the three primary germ layers—endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm. These layers then go on to preform a variety of functions. I will then pass out the worksheets and cups of chips and
Activities
The students will work in pairs to complete the stem cell activity.(20 min) They will follow the direction sheet and then record their results on the student sheet. I will walk around the class answering questions, looking for participation, making sure students are following the directions properly.Closing
After the class has completed the activity I will then poll the class on their results.- Why were their so many different results?
- Why do you now think stem cell is important
I will then pass out the follow up questions for the activity and allow students to work on them until the class is over. Any uncompleted work will be homework and turned in the next class period.Assessment Notes
I will assess the students based on the answers to the questions I ask in class. The discussion questions that I assign will also serve as an assessment to the activity and linking it to the knowledge and material learned in class.Back to Unit Plan